I am so touched I just want to cry right now. My relatives in Salt Lake City (who are not church goers) went at my urging to St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown SLC today to talk about a funeral for my brother-in-law, E. Ray. He was a former Mormon who converted to the Episcopal…
Author: lenleatherwood
I am a native Texan who has lived for the past 30 years in Southern California. I am a published author of both short memoir and fiction, a two-time Pushcart nominee, a nationally award-winning writing coach, an editor, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. In addition, I am the mother of three grown daughters of whom I am extremely proud, a grandmother of four darling children and the wife of a man I still love after 44 years.
My Father’s Advice
My father taught me a few basic truths about life. Here is a limited list of them in no order of importance: 1) Care about people and they will care about you. 2) Make friends one person at a time, which means individual relationships are more meaningful than group relationships. 3) Family is central. 4) Don’t…
Ray Agutter In Action
Here is a picture of my brother-in-law, Ray Agutter (in the khaki colored suit), aka “E. Ray” at Sarah and Gregorio’s wedding reception a couple of years ago. This picture encapsulates E. Ray’s fun-living spirit as he dances the night away while surrounded by family and friends who love him. Never mind that Ray had…
Good-bye, Sweet Friend
I am sad to say that my beloved brother-in-law, Ray Agutter, my sister Leslie’s ex-husband, died today. Ray was one of those rare people who truly lived a joy-filled life. I have never met another human being who was more positive or more kind than Ray. He had challenges that he faced, but he shifted…
5 Star Orange Cookie Recipe
The recipe below is one that I shared a couple of years ago, but it’s so good it is well worth repeating. These cookies are delicately flavored and not overly sweet. They are very nice with tea. This recipe is adapted from Rodale’s Naturally Delicious Desserts and Snacks by Faye Martin. In my opinion, this…
Our Day Recapped in Pictures
Here are a few pictures that sum up our day. We were at DFW at 4:30 this morning. Our plane was late and Ray took a nap. Tropical Storm Bill poured rain for quite a while, which was captured in this photo from the plane. We arrived in LA mid-morning. After arriving home and staying…
Flight Advisory, Tropical Storm and the Ranger Game
We are all settled into our hotel room near DFW airport before heading back to LA early in the morning. Our flight is at 6:30 am and we have already received a text from Spirit Airlines issuing a travel advisory. This is related to tropical storm “Bill” that hit the Texas coast and is promising…
Furniture Hauling Day
Today was a furniture moving day. We added another space at Touch of Class Antique mall, which meant that we had to go down to our building (a mid-century Savings and Loan) and fill up two truck loads of furniture and small items. We only had a five block distance to travel which was handy,…
A Shared Childhood
I have had a truly lovely weekend seeing my old friends from my hometown. I had a chance to visit with a whole group of folks I don’t often see as well as a few people I have gotten to know via the Internet. I also got to spend some quality time with a few…
Evening One of Reunion
Ray was sweet and came to Day One of my reunion. I think it’s a universal truth that nothing is more boring for a spouse than his/her partner’s high school reunion. Thank you, husband. Tomorrow, I will return alone. Ray is off to Midlothian to move a second vintage trailer to Sherman for repairs. The…
20 Minutes a Day 